Can the Boomer Generation Rescue the American Dream?

Published: January 26, 2010

WASILLA, Alaska, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- "Only committed activists can stand up to special interests that favor Wall Street over Main Street," says lifelong learning advocate Charles D. Hayes, "and baby boomers will want to leave a lasting legacy in the 21st century." One year from now, the leading edge of the boomer generation will reach 65. In 2029, the last will turn 65. Seventy-plus million strong, the age group that once transformed civil rights clearly has the intelligence and the demographic muscle to redirect society again. Real political reform won't happen without passion and strong public support.

In his new book, September University: Summoning Passion for an Unfinished Life, published by Autodidactic Press, Hayes predicts that, armed with the power of today's technology, motivated boomers who choose activism in their senior years can set off another revolutionary change, just as they did in the 1960s. A tsunami-like shift will occur when boomers confront their own mortality and commit to inspiring and guiding the next generation. The tide is already turning, and tough economic times will only amplify the effect. Or, as author Daniel H. Pink puts it, "When the cold front of demographics meets the warm front of unrealized dreams, the result will be a thunderstorm of purpose the likes of which the world has never seen."

Hayes poses a challenge: "If inspiration and some kind of mindful accomplishment for the sake of posterity do not precede our death, we must ask ourselves why, then, did we live?"

September University lays out a blueprint for finding perspective, purpose, and intellectual fulfillment in the fall and winter of life. In its pages you'll find compelling reasons to pursue wisdom, thoughtful ways to achieve peace of mind, and ideas for instigating change. Here's a sample of the exploration:

-- Rise to the Occasion -- Triumph Over Your Existential Fears -- Rekindle the Flames of Curiosity -- Rejuvenate Your Social Literacy -- Get Beyond Us and Them -- Build New Grounds for Communication -- Conquer the Bias Sphere -- Grow and Mature to Wisdom -- Speak Up and Reach Out -- Restore Social Justice -- Revitalize Meaning and Potential -- Renew a Personal Vision for Posterity

September University is a call to action for anyone who spent their "earning" years living on borrowed opinion. Now it's time to give back. It's time for those who've always expressed strong opinions about subjects they've never really investigated to actually do the research or keep quiet. Better yet, look it up and speak up.

Says Hayes, "The baby-boom generation has it in their hands to change the way we think about aging."
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